Director, Occupancy Planning & Management

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

*Please Note: This role is based in Chicago, with frequent travel (3 days a week or more depending on business needs) to Riverwoods, IL.

What this job involves - We are looking for a talented Senior Occupancy Planner to join our team. As a Senior Occupancy Planner, your role will involve partnering with end users to develop innovative space solutions, ensuring the consistent delivery of planning services, and managing and reporting occupancy data in alignment with our workplace programs and strategy. You will operate within a dynamic and forward-thinking culture, utilizing your expertise in occupancy strategy and collaborative workplace practices to recommend multiple solution options for complex occupancy problems. This position will be based in Chicago region.

 

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Building relationships with end user customers to understand business needs, promote workplace solutions and concepts, and resolve workplace issues while serving as point person for questions about workplace programs, space allocations, and utilization
• Managing space requests and move work orders to ensure timely completion and regulatory compliance while proactively developing space solutions including stacking plans, block plans, allocation plans, and adjacency diagrams
• Effectively gathering customer workplace requirements through asking the right questions and active listening to understand underlying business needs, providing options for client decision making through creative and analytical thinking
• Developing block plans to convey future use of space and layouts using graphic tools such as AutoCAD, participating in business case development for real estate actions considering business requirements, client programs, time constraints, and projected space demand
• Reporting on workplace utilization, building data, organizational data, and occupancy metrics at campus, metro, or regional levels using business intelligence dashboards, CAFM/IWMS, and MS Excel
• Managing allocations and data accuracy using CAFM/IWMS databases while ensuring all seat assignments comply with adjacency requirements and delivering timely resolution of non-compliant assignments
• Performing physical space audits and walkthroughs as required to ensure success of relocation projects while collaborating with move coordination teams on strategic migration schedules and tactical moves

 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Position is based in the Chicago region with a requirement to follow a hybrid model
• Regular physical space audits and walkthroughs required at various building locations
• Work environment includes office settings and on-site building visits to assess space utilization and occupancy
• Role requires ability to read and interpret floor plans and conduct site assessments
• Position involves collaboration with diverse teams across multiple locations and time zones
• May require travel to assigned buildings or business units within the region for site visits and client meetings

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
• 5 to 7 years of strategic-level work experience in occupancy or space planning, including interior office planning or move/project management in a corporate real estate setting
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities with proven experience leveraging data and analytics to drive insights and support strategic decision-making
• Experience with change management and executive engagement, with demonstrated ability to impact and influence senior leadership effectively
• Strong presentation skills and excellent written and verbal communication abilities, capable of communicating complex ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word), including the ability to perform data analysis using pivot tables and complex formulas
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for test fit option development and proficiency in CAFM/IWMS database systems such as FMS, Manhattan, Tririga, Archibus, or similar platforms
• Self-motivated work style with proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating flexibility in learning and mastering new client-specific programs quickly
• Willingness to embrace change and explore new methods and approaches in occupancy planning.
• Ability to leverage data and analytics to drive insights and support compelling stories for strategic decision-making.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for complex test fit option development and space planning
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in CAFM/IWMS database systems (FMS, Manhattan, Tririga, Archibus, or similar)
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Adobe Acrobat for document management and collaboration
• Experience building credibility and establishing executive presence with C-suite leadership and high-level clients
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully deliver difficult messages while maintaining strong relationships with business partners and stakeholders
• Track record of adapting quickly to frequent or rapid organizational change and shifting priorities while maintaining high-quality deliverables

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position:

93,100.00 – 116,000.00 USD per year

Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –Chicago, IL, Riverwoods, IL

Job Tags:

Analytical Acumen, Business Acumen, Change Management, Collaboration, Communication, Customer-Focused, Data Management, Detail-Oriented, Independent Judgment, Influencing Skills, Microsoft Excel, Negotiation, Service Delivery, Space Allocation, Space Management, Stakeholder Management, Technical Acumen, Time Management, Workplace Design, Workplace Strategy

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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